Stadium chair

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a stadium chair for use with bleachers. The chair includes a frame having a seat portion and a back portion, a seat cushion, and a backrest.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/846,136, filed on May 14, 2004, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/348,785, filed on Jan. 22, 2003, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,739,667, the contents of both of which are incorporated intheir entirety by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to chairs. More specifically, the presentinvention relates to chairs and chair-backs that are attachable to oruseable with stadium seating, such as bleachers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bleacher-type seating is often provided for spectator events such assporting events, concerts, and the like. Such seating is often providedin a permanent setting, such as a stadium, a semi-permanent setting,such as retractable bleachers in a gymnasium, or on a temporary basisfor specific events. Bleachers provide simple, efficient and convenientseating for a large number of spectators; however, bleachers do notnecessarily provide the most comfortable seating nor do they typicallyidentify an individual seating location.

To improve the comfort of such seating, patrons sometimes bring theirown seats or cushions. While an improvement in comfort, such a solutionrequires the patron to remember to bring their own device, which isoften an afterthought and/or a very easily overlooked consideration whenattending an otherwise exciting event. In addition, having spectatorshauling their own chairs or cushion into a stadium seating arrangementcan be inconvenient and possibly even dangerous to other spectators.That is, walkways are narrow and space is extremely limited so carryingextra items (especially if large, bulky or cumbersome) presents achallenge.

Thus, there exists a need to balance the conveniences and mass seatingoffered through stadium or bleacher seating with a degree of personalcomfort.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a stadium chair that can be semi-permanentlyaffixed to a bleacher. In one embodiment, the stadium chair includes atubular or cylindrical frame having front brackets that loop over afront edge of a bleacher. The frame includes a seat portion and a backportion. A flexible member is slid over or otherwise secured to the backportion thereby providing a seatback. A cushion is placed over the seatportion of the frame and a rear portion of the cushion is secured to theframe to prevent the cushion from being easily removed.

An attachment bracket is coupleable to the back portion of the frame.The attachment bracket can be configured to be secured to the frame byfrictional engagement. The attachment bracket includes one or morethreaded throughbores, to which an attachment clamp can be secured witha threaded member, such as a bolt or various other attaching mechanisms.The attachment clamp is thus used to secure the stadium chair to thebleacher.

The use of an attachment bracket in this manner provides manyadvantages. One such advantage is that the frame itself can remain avery simple structural member. In one embodiment, the frame is simply abent tubular or cylindrical member. Another advantage is that with theattachment bracket secured to the seat back (i.e., somewhat further fromand higher than the bleacher that than the seat portion of the frame)additional leverage can be developed which makes attachment to thebleacher even more secure. Another advantage is that the attachmentbracket (while allowing for more to be used) only requires a single,centrally positioned attachment clamp to be used. Thus, a single clampcan be used to secure the stadium chair to the bleacher. Alternatively,providing multiple attachment points (e.g., throughbores) allows theseat to be positioned in a desired location (e.g., over a seatdesignation number) despite having various obstructions located belowthe seat. That is, various frame or support members may preclude the useof a given attachment point. Having multiple attachment points simplyallows an alternative attachment point to be utilized so that the seatcan be placed wherever desired.

One context where the present invention may be used is in providingdesignated, comfortable seating to select patrons in a stadium seatingarrangement. For example, the stadium may rent the present stadiumchairs to any patron who so chooses. In such a scenario, stadiumpersonnel would most likely secure all of the stadium chairs to thebleachers in the appropriate locations before the arrival of thepatrons. This provides many advantages. For example, it can provide asource of advertising, by allowing printed matter to be prominentlydisplayed on the stadium seats awaiting the arrival of patrons. It alsoallows a particular space or seating location to be physicallyidentified and/or reserved for a particular patron.

While providing these and other advantages, the securement of thestadium chairs to the bleachers does place a burden on the stadiumpersonnel (either before each event where such chairs are used orinitially during a given season or time period if the chairs will beallowed to remain in place over time) especially when a large number ofchairs will be attached. Thus, the attachment bracket having a single,centrally disposed clamp optimizes installation by allowing for anextremely fast yet secure attachment.

In another embodiment, a stadium seat is provided that includes aseatback and a cushion that are coupled together by one or more flexiblemembers. This type of stadium seat is for use with a backed bleacher.The seat back includes a bracket that can be secured to the existingbleacher back. The flexible members allow the seat cushion to be placedonto the seat portion of the bleacher.

The present invention, in another embodiment, is a stadium chair havinga frame with a seat portion and a back portion, the seat portionincluding a bracket for engaging a first portion of a bleacher, the backportion supporting a backrest. Also included is an attachment bracketcoupled with the back portion of the frame and a clamp coupleable to theattachment bracket and engageable with a second portion of the bleacherfor adjustably securing the stadium chair to the bleacher.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a stadium chair for usewith a bleacher having an upper seating surface. That chair has a frameincluding a first generally U-shaped bracket for engaging a front faceof a bleacher; a second generally U-shaped bracket for engaging thefront face of the bleacher; a seat portion including a first supportmember coupled with the first generally U-shaped bracket and a secondsupport member coupled with the second generally U-shaped bracket,wherein the seat portion is configured to engage the upper seatingsurface of the bleacher; a back portion having a first upright membercoupled with the first support member and a second upright membercoupled with the second support member; and a cross memberinterconnecting the first upright member and the second upright member.

The stadium chair further includes a seat cushion configured to rest ontop of the seat portion; a backrest having an interior portion forreceiving a portion of the first upright member, a portion of the secondupright member and the cross member so that the backrest spans betweenthe first upright member and the second upright member; and anattachment bracket coupled to the back portion of the frame andinterconnecting the first upright member and the second upright member,the attachment bracket including at least one threaded throughbore. Alsoincluded is a clamp including a first section and a second sectionperpendicular to the first beam, wherein the clamp is coupleable to theattachment bracket via a threaded member passing through the firstsection and engaging the threaded throughbore.

The present invention also provides a method of attaching a stadiumchair to a bleacher. The method comprises positioning a frame over anupper surface of the bleacher so that a generally U-shaped bracket ofthe frame engages a front portion of the bleacher; coupling a singleclamp to a medially disposed throughbore on an attachment bracketattached to a back portion of the frame with a threaded member; placinga flange of the clamp below a lower surface of the bleacher; andsecuring the clamp to the attachment bracket by rotating the threadedmember.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a stadium seat for abacked bleacher comprising a seat cushion; a back cushion coupled to theseat cushion by a flexible member; and an attachment clamp for securingthe back cushion to a back of the bleacher.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of thepresent invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description, which shows and describesillustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, theinvention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, allwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded asillustrative in nature and not restrictive. The use of descriptive termssuch as up, down, vertical and horizontal are for illustrative purposesonly, are not meant to be limiting, and are used by way of example withrespect to the illustrations presented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a stadium chair attached to a bleacher inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially sectional view of the stadium chair of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a portion of a frame of the stadium chairof FIG. 1 along with an attachment bracket useful in securing thestadium chair to a bleacher.

FIG. 4 is a side, planar view illustrating a portion of the stadiumchair frame and the attachment to a bleacher with an attachment clamp.

FIG. 5 is side, planar view of an alternative attachment clamp.

FIG. 6 is a rear, planar view of a securing strap for securing a seatcushion to the frame of the stadium chair.

FIG. 7 is a top, planar view of the seat cushion and the securing strapof FIG. 6,

FIG. 8 is a top, planar view of the seat cushion with alternativesecurement straps for securing the seat cushion to the frame.

FIG. 9 is a side, planar view of a backed bleacher with a backed stadiumseat attached.

FIG. 10 is front/top planar view of the stadium seat for the backedbleacher.

FIG. 11 is a isometric view of a portion of a back cushion of thestadium seat for the backed bleacher.

FIG. 12 is a side, planar view of a back cushion bracket for securingthe stadium seat for the backed bleacher to the back rest portion of thebleacher.

FIG. 13 is a side, planer view illustrating a portion of the stadiumchair frame and attachment to a bleacher with an attachment clamp.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a stadium chair 10 attached to a bleacher12 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Thebleacher 12 can take many forms. As illustrated, the bleacher 12 may bean elongated plank-like member having a planar upper seating surface 14,a lower surface 16, a front face 18 and rear face 20. The bleacher 12may be made from various materials including wood or aluminum. Asillustrated in phantom, the bleacher 12 may also include a recess 22having one or more lips 24 and one or more ribs (not shown) to provideadditional structural support.

The stadium chair 10 rests on the upper seating surface 14 and issecured to both the front face 18 and rear face 20 of the bleacher. Theparticular configuration of the bleacher 12 may affect which particularsecurement members (described more fully below) should be used.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the stadium chair 10 includes a frame 26. Asillustrated, frame 26 is formed from a tubular or cylindrical memberthat is appropriately bent at predetermined angles to form the framestructure. The frame 26 could be formed from any suitable material suchas metal (e.g., aluminum, steel tubing or steel rod), plastic or thelike. The choice of materials will determine whether the frame 26 isformed via bending or as a pre-shaped component (e.g., molded, cast,injection molded). As illustrated, the frame 26 is a single componentforming a first generally U-shaped bracket 46 having a first faceengaging member 50 and a first lower surface engaging member 54.Likewise, the frame 26 includes at an opposite end a second generallyU-shaped bracket 48 having a second face engaging member 52 and a secondlower surface engaging member 56.

The frame 26 includes a first horizontal member 36 and a secondhorizontal member 38 which rest atop the upper seating surface 14 whenthe stadium chair 10 is positioned as illustrated. The horizontalmembers 36, 38 define a seat portion 34 of the frame 26. Depending fromthe horizontal members 36, 38 and extending upwards (as illustrated) isa back portion 32 of the frame 26 that is defined by a first uprightmember 40 and a second upright member 42. The first and second uprightmembers 40, 42 are optionally interconnected by an upright cross member60. The upper section of back portion 32 may be angled backwards or awayfrom bleacher 12. This provides a more comfortable seat back for patronsby preventing the upper corners from engaging the back of the patron. Inaddition, the angled portion aides in securing a backrest 28 to theframe 26. That is, backrest 28 is a flexible member having an interiorcavity allowing the backrest 28 to be slipped over the back portion 32.The angle can increase the tension of the backrest 28, making it moresecure. In addition, clips (not shown) or other attachment members canbe used to temporarily or permanently secure the backrest 28 to theframe 26.

A seat cushion 30 is placed atop the seat portion 34 of frame 26. Theseat cushion 30 provides a comfortable seating surface for the patron.The cushion 30 and backrest 28 can be made from any appropriate materialsuch as vinyl, plastic, or the like. If exposed to the environment, thematerial chosen preferably is suitably durable and/or weather resistant.The cushion 30 and/or the backrest 28 can include a desired amount ofpadding or cushioning to achieve a desired size, shape and degree ofcomfort.

In use, the frame 26 is positioned so that the first and secondgenerally U-shaped brackets 46, 48 loop over the front face 18 of thebleacher 12. The shape of the generally U-shaped brackets 46, 48 and theoverall rigidity of the frame 26 thus prevent the stadium chair 10 fromtipping either forwards or backwards. An attachment bracket 44 ispositioned on the back portion 32 of the frame 26, between the first andsecond uprights 40, 42. The attachment bracket 44 provides additionalstrength and rigidity to the overall frame assembly. An L-shapedattachment clamp 62 is releasably secured to the attachment bracket 44and is positioned so that a portion thereof is below the bleacher 12, incontact with lower surface 16, as shown in FIG. 2. Thus, as attachmentclamp 62 is tightened against attachment bracket 44, attachment clamp 62frictionally engages bleacher 12, effectively clamping stadium chair 10to the bleacher 12. In this manner, stadium chair 10 is prevented frombeing tilted forwards or backwards; sliding forwards or backwards (e.g.,off the bleacher 12), lifted vertically; and if sufficient tension isapplied, from sliding horizontally along upper surface 14. Thus, adefined location on the bleacher 12 is presented that provides acomfortable, backed seating position to a patron.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the attachment bracket44. The attachment bracket 44 is preferably a rigid member made ofsuitably strong material such as metal. For example, attachment bracket44 could be stamped, cast, bent or otherwise fabricated from steel,aluminum or the like. Attachment bracket 44 is a channeled member havingsome degree of depth or thickness. At opposing ends, a first tab 70 anda second tab 72 are provided. The tabs 70, 72 may be bent around uprightmember 40, 42 respectively to secure the attachment bracket 44 to theframe 26. Other methods of attachment such as bolting, crimping,clamping, welding, or the like may also be used to secure the attachmentbracket 44 to the upright members 40, 42 of the frame 26. As the tabs70, 72 are bent around upright members 40, 42, they form channels 74, 76that ultimately receive and frictionally engage the upright members 40,42. Thus, the attachment bracket is securely attached to a givenposition on the back portion 32 of the frame 26.

The attachment bracket 44 is provided with one or more threadedthroughbores 78, 80, 82. If multiple clamps 62 are to be attached theymay be balanced by utilizing left and right threaded throughbores 80,82. If only one clamp 62 is to be used, it may normally be secured tocentral threaded throughbore 78 or alternatively to any throughbore thatis unobstructed. That is, the seat 10 may be positioned as desired andthe multiple throughbores 78, 80, 82 provide for multiple attachmentpoints. Thus, if one or more attachment points is obscured or occludedby an obstruction (e.g., a frame member of the bleacher 12), it is asimple matter to utilize one of the other unobstructed attachmentpoints. Fewer threaded throughbores may be provided, more may beprovided, and different configurations could also be utilized asdesired.

By utilizing an attachment bracket 44, frame 26 can be made as arelatively simple and straightforward component. That is, the frame 26can be easily and readily produced as can the attachment bracket 44.These two components can be quickly and easily joined to produce acomplete frame assembly.

FIG. 4 illustrates how attachment clamp 62 is secured to attachmentbracket 44 and how clamp 62 engages bleacher 12. A threaded member suchas bolt 84 is passed through an upper portion of clamp 62 so as toengage one of the threaded throughbores 78, 80, 82 illustrated in FIG.3. Rotating the bolt 84 causes the clamp 62 to abut and engage theattachment bracket 44, in the known way. Thus, by tightening the bolt84, the clamp 62 is secured; this in turn effectively secures the chair10 to the bleacher 12. As shown, the clamp 62 is spaced from the rearface 20; however, these two portions could be in contact. Likewise, asillustrated, clamp 62 contacts the lower surface 16; however, a smallgap could also be present.

In a particularly efficient arrangement, one of the clamps 62 could beloosely attached to each of the chairs 10 prior to installation on thebleachers. Thus, the installer could position the chair 10, pivot theclamp into place, tighten the bolt 84 with a wrench or the like and thechair 10 is installed. When installing hundreds or even thousands ofchairs at one time, this efficiency is well placed. Alternatively,various other known attachment mechanisms could be used to secure theclamp 62 to the attachment bracket 44. For example, as shown in FIG. 13,the throughbore 78, 80, 82 need not be threaded. Rather, a threadedmember 84 (e.g., a bolt) could be passed therethrough and secured with afastener 87, such as a nut, wing nut, cotter pin, or the like. This may,in some cases, allow installation and removal without requiring aseparate tool. For example, a wing nut could be manually tightened orloosened by hand. In such and example, the bolt head may be positionedunderneath the seat cushion 30 so that the wing nut would be exposedfrom behind the chair 10. Additionally, the clamp 62 could be secured toattachment bracket 44 via any other attachment clamps, levers,connectors or brackets that would allow the clamp 62 to be appropriatelytensioned against the attachment bracket 44 with a desired degree ofmanipulation.

As mentioned above, some bleachers 14 may have lips 24 and recesses 22(FIG. 1). In such a case, a J-clamp 86, as illustrated in FIG. 5, can beutilized. That is, the J-clamp 86 is secured to the attachment bracket44 instead of the L-shaped attachment clamp 62. The J-clamp 86 includesa lip 88 that is received within recess 22 an may abut lip 24. TheJ-clamp provides additional security when attaching the seats 10.

With the use of either type of clamp 62, 86 the attachment of thestadium chair 10 to the bleacher 12 is a relatively quick and easyprocess that results in semi-permanent attachment. That is, the seatcannot be readily removed by a patron (without the aid of a tool such asa wrench). This serves to protect the chairs 10, reduce vandalism,reduce accidental damage, and prevent theft. Also, the chairs (if leftover time) need only be positioned once.

In furtherance of many of these same goals, it may be desirable tosecure the seat cushion 30 to the frame 26. FIGS. 6-7 illustrate havinga single securement strap 90 connected to opposite rear corners of theseat cushion 30 that can be looped around the upright members 40, 42.This serves to hold the cushion 30 in the position illustrated andprevent it from being tipped forward. To attach, the cushion 30 islowered into place while the strap 90 is simply slipped over the uprightmember 40, 42. Alternatively, the strap 90 could be openable orremovable (e.g., hook and loop type fasteners. FIG. 8 illustrates anembodiment where two securing loops 92, 94 are provided. Each loop 92,94 is placed around one upright member 40, 42 respectively. Again, theindividual loops 92, 94 could be slid around the U-brackets 46, 48 ofthe frame 26, or they could be openable (e.g., buttons, hook and looptype fasteners, etc.). With solid loops 92, 94 it would be difficult andperhaps impossible for the seat cushion 30 to be removed while the frame26 is secured to the bleacher, depending of course on how tightly theframe 26 engages the bleacher 12. In those cases where the cushion 30could be removed or when using strap 90, the relevant straps could befurther secured to the frame 26 and/or attachment bracket 44 withlocking members (e.g., zip ties), if desired.

FIG. 9 is a side, planar view of a backed bleacher 105 with a backedstadium seat 110 attached. A backed bleacher 105 is any stadium bleacheror bench type seat provided with a structure to support or abut apatron's back. The example illustrated includes a support member 102 anda bleacher seat 100. A bleacher back 104 is coupled to the bleacher seatby a back support column 106. Any number of arrangements are possiblefor backed bleacher seats and the back and seat portion may be integral,connected or completely separate.

The backed bleacher stadium seat 110 includes a seat cushion 112 whichrests on the bleacher seat 100 to provide cushioned comfort to thepatron. A back cushion 114 is connected to the seat cushion 112 by oneor more flexible members. As illustrated, a first connecting strap 116and a second connecting strap 118 act as the flexible member in thisembodiment.

The back cushion 114 includes a front surface 120 and an opposing rearsurface 122 that is proximal the bleacher back 104. A back cushionbracket 124 securely couples the back cushion 114 to the bleacher backsupport 106. One such bracket 124 is illustrated and is sufficient forattachment; however, more than one bracket 124 (e.g., spacing two suchbrackets on opposite ends) may also be utilized to attach the backcushion 114. As the seat cushion 112 is coupled to the back cushion 114,the seat cushion is likewise retained proximate to the bleacher 105,though having some degree of permissible movement. FIG. 10 illustratesthe interconnection between the back cushion 114 and the seat cushion112, which are freely movable with respect to one another to the extentthat the flexible connecting straps 116, 118 permit such a range ofmovement.

The backed bleacher stadium seat 110 can be attached to most any backedbleacher 105 to provide cushioned comfort for seating and for backsupport. As disclosed above, the stadium seat 110 could also besemi-permanently attached to the bleacher seat 105 by virtue of thebracket 124.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate one embodiment of the stadium seat 110allowing for semi-permanent attachment. The rear surface 122 of the backcushion is provided with an attachment strap 130 that spans across atleast a portion of the rear surface. As illustrated, strap 130 isprovided from one vertical (as illustrated) edge to the opposite edge.This allows maximum adjustability.

A back cushion bracket 124 includes substantially C-shaped brackethaving a strap loop 132 at one end and a threaded throughbore 135 at theother end for receiving a locking bolt 134. The bracket 124 is placedover the top portion of the bleacher back 104 (FIG. 9) and the lockingbolt is advanced so as to exert pressure against the bleacher back 104and hold the bracket 124 in place relative to the bleacher back 104. Theattachment strap 130 of the cushion 114 is received by the strap loop132, thus securing the back cushion 114. Depending upon the tensionexerted, the back cushion may be horizontally slidable relative to thebleacher back 104; the amount of such movement being determined by thelength and flexibility of the attachment strap 30.

In addition to using the stadium seat 110 on a backed bleacher, the seat110 may also be used on a club seat. Club seats are often provided instadiums and have a seat portion and a back portion forming a chair. Theseat portion often folds upwards towards the back portion to allow morespace in an aisle. The use of the stadium seat 110 on a club seat issubstantially similar to the use described above. In addition, the seatcushion 112 may be provided with a strap (not separately shown) that issubstantially similar to the attachment strap 130 provided on the backcushion 114 (FIG. 11). Such a strap could then be slid under the seatportion of the club seat, serving to retain the seat cushion 112 inplace. This is particularly useful on those club seats that foldupwards, as the seat cushion 112 need not be repositioned or reattachedeach time the patron rises and the club seat folds.

Although the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

1. A stadium chair for use with a bleacher comprising: (a) a framecomprising: (1) a seat portion comprising: (i) a first support memberconfigured to be positionable on a top portion of the bleacher; (ii) afirst generally U-shaped bracket coupled to the first support member,the first generally U-shaped bracket configured to engage a frontportion of the bleacher; (iii) a second support member configured to bepositionable on the top portion of the bleacher, the second supportmember disposed parallel to the first support member; and (iv) a secondgenerally U-shaped bracket coupled to the second support member, thesecond generally U-shaped bracket configured to engage the front portionof the bleacher; (2) a back portion comprising: (i) a first uprightmember coupled with the first support member; and (ii) a second uprightmember coupled with the second support member; and (iii) a cross memberinterconnecting the first upright member and the second upright member;(b) a seat cushion configured to rest on top of the seat portion; and(c) a backrest coupled to the back portion, whereby the chair is securedto the bleacher at least in part by the first and second generallyU-shaped brackets.
 2. The stadium chair of claim 1, wherein the backrestdefines an interior portion for receiving a portion of the back portion.3. The stadium chair of claim 1, wherein the backrest comprises a strapspanning across at least a portion of a back surface of the backrest,the strap being configured such that the back portion can be disposedbetween the backrest and the strap, whereby the backrest is coupled tothe back portion.
 4. A stadium chair for use with a bleacher comprising:(a) a frame comprising: (1) a seat portion comprising: (i) a firstsupport member configured to be positionable on a top portion of thebleacher; (ii) a first generally U-shaped bracket coupled to the firstsupport member, the first generally U-shaped bracket configured toengage a front portion of the bleacher; (iii) a second support memberconfigured to be positionable on the top portion of the bleacher, thesecond support member disposed parallel to the first support member; and(iv) a second generally U-shaped bracket coupled to the second supportmember, the second generally U-shaped bracket configured to engage thefront portion of the bleacher; (2) a back portion comprising: (i) afirst upright member coupled with the first support member; (ii) asecond upright member coupled with the second support member; and (iii)a cross member interconnecting the first upright member and the secondupright member; (b) a seat cushion configured to rest on top of the seatportion; (c) a backrest coupled to the back portion; and (d) a bracketcoupled to the frame, the bracket defining at least one throughbore,whereby the chair is secured to the bleacher at least in part by use ofthe bracket and the first and second generally U-shaped brackets.
 5. Thestadium chair of claim 4, wherein the backrest defines an interiorportion for receiving a portion of the back portion.
 6. The stadiumchair of claim 4, wherein the backrest comprises a strap spanning acrossat least a portion of a back surface of the backrest, the strap beingconfigured such that the back portion can be disposed between thebackrest and the strap, whereby the backrest is coupled to the backportion.